Désilets is said to be seeking one month's base salary, damages, expenses and severance pay from the publisher, and is acting on a contract clause that allegedly allows him to acquire the 1666 license.

He left Ubisoft Montreal in 2010 and joined THQ Montreal the following year, where he served as creative director on 1666, only for Ubisoft to acquire the developer and the intellectual property following its bankruptcy.

"As stated before, the acquisition of THQ Montréal in January allowed Ubisoft to welcome 170 experienced developers to our existing and renowned workforce," said Ubisoft in a statement issued to Polygon.

"Unfortunately, the discussions between Patrice Désilets and Ubisoft aimed at aligning Patrice's and the studio's visions were inconclusive. We received Patrice's legal request and will address it in court. We will make no further comment at this point."